Chris Cathrine, a Technical Director at RSK Biocensus, has dedicated more than 20 years to ecological consultancy. His adventure started in a post-industrial garden located in County Durham and has taken him to the peaks of Munros, where he has provided advice to governments and even featured in wildlife documentaries. In this piece, Chris discusses how his passion for nature evolved into a profession, the importance of mentoring, and his thoughts on the future of biodiversity and ecological consultancy.
A Love for Nature, Sparked in Childhood
Chris’s passion for the natural world was ignited early on. As a child, he would explore old mining landscapes with his grandfather, searching for newts, spiders, and beetles. “We used to set pitfall traps in the garden,” he recalls. “That curiosity about wildlife and those industrial landscapes probably helped shape my interest in brownfield sites, which are so very ecologically valuable.”
Despite a brief temptation to pursue art college, Chris chose to study zoology at the University of Aberdeen, where his fascination with conservation and applied science flourished. “It was a chance to link knowledge with practical action, which is what ecology is all about. Plus, Aberdeen had the legendary moth-man, Dr Mark Young!”
Building Caledonian Conservation and a Team
Chris didn’t just join Caledonian Conservation, he founded it. While working part-time at Buglife, he launched the consultancy to apply his growing expertise to a wider range of projects. “I love variety,” he says. “Starting the business let me work across so many different ecological challenges and build a team I’m incredibly proud of.”
That same team now continues their work with him at RSK Biocensus, where Chris leads as Technical Director.
Technical Director at RSK Biocensus: A Role with Purpose
As Technical Director, Chris focuses on what drives him most: applied ecology, mentoring, and solving complex environmental problems. His work encompasses Scotland, the wider UK, and beyond.“The best part of the job is the people. I’m still working with my original team from Caledonian Conservation, and I’ve now joined a much larger group of passionate, top-tier ecologists at RSK Biocensus. I’m learning something new every day.”
Project Spotlight: Blue Carbon and Saltmarshes
Among many standout projects, one that holds a special place for Chris is a blue carbon initiative with the Isle of Man Government. He’s leading invertebrate monitoring on saltmarsh sites as part of a broader team restoring marine ecosystems. “I love being part of a multidisciplinary team,” he explains. “It’s an exciting challenge and speaks to the kind of collaborative, forward-thinking work that ecological consultancy can deliver.”
Impacting Nature and People
Chris’s work has spanned everything from crafting environmental policy to physically relocating adders from construction sites. Whether it’s contributing to national biodiversity strategies or teaching kids about insects, his goal remains the same: to leave nature better than he found it. Over 20 years, he’s seen ecological consultancy grow from a niche profession to a central part of major infrastructure and conservation projects. “It’s thrilling to see ecology become mainstream,” he says. “We now have the tools, science, and awareness to act and we are.”
Why Choose a Career in Ecology and Why RSK Biocensus?
For those considering a future in ecology, Chris says the opportunities are endless. “It’s hard to imagine a more varied career. Whether you’re a passionate field ecologist or an aspiring project manager, there’s a place for you.”
At RSK Biocensus, the benefits go beyond project diversity. “The team is amazing. The culture is friendly and inclusive. You can develop the career you want, with support, training, and flexibility. It’s the best of both worlds: big company resources with space for individual growth.”
Looking Back and Forward
Chris admits he doesn’t often pause to reflect but reaching 20 years in the profession has prompted a moment of introspection. He’s proud of the renewable energy projects he’s supported, the guidance he’s authored, and the careers he’s helped shape.
What’s next? “I want to focus more on applying my technical expertise and sharing knowledge, both in the UK and internationally. There’s always a new challenge in ecology.”
A Life and Career Well Aligned
Chris’s role brings together everything he loves: the outdoors, wildlife, art, problem-solving, and even a bit of off-road driving. “I’ve literally been paid to climb Munros and collect spiders. I’ve worked on nature documentaries with Stephen Fry and been interviewed by Chris Packham. I’ve seen projects go from idea to clean energy production. And I’ve seen real, physical evidence that my work has made a difference.”
“I feel incredibly lucky. You spend most of your life working, why not do something that reflects your values?”
Inspired by Chris’s story?
Consider a career in ecological consultancy at RSK Biocensus where passion meets purpose, and ecology is at the heart of everything we do.